Planning

Every Food Court Collective project begins with a rigorous planning-, design-, and compliance-led approach. We work closely with councils, consultants, and statutory authorities to ensure each scheme meets all regulatory, safety, and operational requirements before construction begins.

Selective Growth Strategy

We are selective in our approach, focusing on:

1. Location and long-term viability
2. Alignment with council objectives
3.Building suitability

This ensures quality delivery, reduced risk, and long-term success.

Our Delivery Model: Planning, Design and Compliance First

Every Food Court Collective project begins with a rigorous planning-, design-, and compliance-led approach. We work closely with councils, consultants, and statutory authorities to ensure each scheme meets all regulatory, safety, and operational requirements before construction begins.

Our end-to-end delivery model reduces risk for councils and supports smooth planning approval, efficient construction, and long-term operational success.

Our Delivery Process

Free Initial Consultation

We begin with a free, no-obligation consultation to understand objectives, site constraints, and overall vision. At this stage, we assess feasibility and provide an initial outline and indicative cost guidance.

Property Survey and Site Assessment

Once requirements are agreed, we undertake a full property survey. This forms the basis for developing detailed drawings, including plans, elevations, sections, and space layouts, where required.

Planning and Compliance

We manage the full planning process, including all relevant applications and supporting documentation. Our team ensures compliance with local planning policy and statutory requirements.

Building Control and Technical Coordination

As an end-to-end service provider, we oversee all building control submissions and approvals. We coordinate specialist consultants as required, including structural engineers, party wall surveyors, and other third-party professionals.

3D Visualisation and Concept Development

We produce high-quality 3D visualisations, mood boards, and, where required, a fully interactive 3D model. This supports stakeholder engagement, planning, funding, and informed decision-making.

Construction, Delivery and Sign-Off

Clients may appoint our trusted construction partners or select their own contractors via a competitive tender process. We manage delivery through to completion, including inspections, certifications, and final building control sign-off.

Consultation-Only Services

For clients who wish to manage their own design teams but require professional guidance, we offer standalone consultation services:

These sessions provide strategic advice on feasibility, planning, design coordination, and delivery.

Technical and Compliance Scope

Plans and Drawings

We prepare comprehensive technical drawings tailored to each site, including:

  • Detailed layout plans covering kitchens, seating, circulation, and service areas

  • Mechanical and Electrical (M&E) drawings for HVAC, electrical distribution, and plant

  • Fire strategy and means of escape layouts

All designs support planning approval, building control compliance, and operational efficiency.

Specifications of Works

A detailed specification package is developed for each project, including:

  • Full scope of works

  • Materials and finishes schedules

  • Construction methodologies

  • Durability and maintenance considerations

This ensures cost certainty, build quality, and long-term asset protection.

Planning and Regulatory Compliance

We manage and coordinate all planning and regulatory requirements, including:

  • Planning permission for change of use and physical alterations

  • Listed building and conservation area considerations, where applicable

  • Confirmation of compliance with Building Regulations

We work proactively with planning officers to resolve issues early and minimise delays.

Licences and Statutory Consents

Where required, we coordinate and support applications for:

  • Premises licences, including alcohol where applicable

  • Additional local authority permits

Licensing is aligned with the operational model and council objectives.

Health and Safety

Health and safety is embedded at every stage of delivery. We provide:

  • Risk Assessments and Method Statements (RAMS)

  • Contractor safety documentation

  • Ongoing site safety management

Fire Safety Compliance

Each project includes full fire safety coordination, including:

  • Fire Risk Assessments

  • Fire system commissioning certificates (alarms, sprinklers, emergency lighting)

  • Emergency evacuation and management plans

All measures are developed in consultation with building control and fire authorities.

Insurance Coverage

We ensure appropriate insurance arrangements are in place, including:

  • Public liability insurance for contractors

  • Professional indemnity insurance for designers and engineers

Kitchen Extraction and Odour Control

Food court operations are supported by robust environmental systems, including:

  • Detailed kitchen extraction designs

  • Ducting routes and filtration systems

  • Odour control strategies suitable for dense urban locations

Drainage and Grease Management

We design and coordinate all drainage infrastructure, including:

  • Drainage modifications

  • Grease traps and interceptors

  • Compliance with local water authority requirements

Service Connections and Utilities

We manage all utility planning and coordination, including:

  • Gas, electricity, and water upgrades

  • New or modified utility connections

  • Installation of individual and landlord meters

Waste Management Strategy

Each site includes a compliant waste strategy covering:

  • Food waste disposal

  • Grease and oil management

  • Recycling and general waste arrangements

This supports clean operations and environmental objectives.

Professional Team and Governance

We provide transparency on the full professional team, including:

  • Contractors

  • Architects

  • Engineers

  • Specialist consultants

All partners are appropriately qualified and experienced in complex, food-led developments.

CDM 2015 Compliance

We ensure full compliance with the Construction (Design and Management) Regulations 2015, including:

  • Appointment of duty holders

  • Construction phase plans

  • Health and safety files

Signage and External Appearance

We design and coordinate signage proposals, including:

  • External signage design

  • Locations and specifications

  • Planning and landlord approvals

Programme and Delivery Timeline

A detailed programme of works is produced for each project, setting out:

  • Key milestones

  • Planning and approval stages

  • Construction phases

  • Practical completion and opening timelines

This provides clarity and confidence for councils and stakeholders.

Low-Risk, Council-Aligned Delivery

By leading with planning, compliance, and safety, Food Court Collective offers councils a low-risk, professionally delivered regeneration model that unlocks difficult assets and delivers long-term public value.